1986 Fleer #86 Sam Perkins PSA 9

1986 Fleer #86 Sam Perkins PSA 9 – Rookie Debut of the Ultimate Stretch Forward Prototype

Sam Perkins entered the league with a polished game and a calm demeanor that would serve him well across nearly two decades in the NBA. A standout at North Carolina and a member of the gold-medal-winning 1984 U.S. Olympic team, Perkins brought versatility, a soft shooting touch, and an underrated defensive presence to the Dallas Mavericks. By the time of this 1986 Fleer rookie issue, “Big Smooth” was already proving he could score inside, rebound effectively, and—rare for a big man of his era—step out and knock down perimeter shots with confidence.

This PSA 9 example features a strong action image of Perkins in his Mavericks uniform, framed by Fleer’s bold red, white, and blue border. With sharp corners, clean surface detail, and excellent centering, it stands as a well-preserved debut of a player whose game was ahead of its time. The card showcases the poise and balance that defined Perkins’ approach from day one.